They released their debut single on August 25, 1974. In 2003, HMV Records Japan rated them #92 in their "Top 100 Japanese pops Artists".
Tsumibito Tachi no Fune
THE ALFEE Lyrics
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愛を忘れた時 夢をあきらめた時
倒れかけた帆柱(マスト)と狂いかけた磁石(コンパス)
東からの風に追われ この地球(ほし)は何処へ導かれるのか
愚か者たちの夢 変わり行く正義よ
過ちを重ねて 生まれ来る歴史よ
明日を探しても
誰にも見えない
愛を知らない独裁者 夢を見れない子供たち
誰もが眠りへと導かれるまま
世界は変わり続ける 隠された真実
偽りを重ねて 流れ去る時代よ
いつも いつの日も Yes! Yes!
罪人たちの舟に僕等は乗り込む
新しい海に迷う舟を動かすため
誰のために生きるの 答えを探そう
君は孤独の海を一人では泳げない
いつも いつの日も Yes! Yes!
何処に向かって 何をめざして 何のために
舟は行くのか！
The Alfee's song "Tsumibito Tachi no Fune" is a powerful anthem about the human condition and the journey of life. It speaks to the idea that we are all "sinners" aboard the "ship of life," and that we are all in search of something greater than ourselves. The lyrics describe the struggles and hardships of this journey, from the loss of love and hopes to the pursuit of truth and justice. The ship is buffeted by the winds of change, and it is up to the passengers to navigate the rough seas and find their way to a new land. The imagery of the mast and the compass symbolize the tools and resources we have at our disposal, but we are ultimately at the mercy of fate and the currents of the world.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and determination, as the lyrics encourage listeners to never give up on their dreams and to always push forward, even in the face of adversity. The chorus repeats the phrase "Yes! Yes!" which can be interpreted as a rallying cry or a sign of affirmation that we are all in this together.
Overall, "Tsumibito Tachi no Fune" is a song that celebrates the human spirit and the universal quest for meaning and purpose in life. It inspires listeners to take charge of their own destiny and to continue sailing forward, no matter what the future may hold.
Line by Line Meaning
罪人たちの舟には きっと誰もが乗り込む
Everyone must board the ship of sinners
愛を忘れた時 夢をあきらめた時
When we forget love, when we give up our dreams
倒れかけた帆柱(マスト)と狂いかけた磁石(コンパス)
The mast teetering, the compass gone awry
東からの風に追われ この地球(ほし)は何処へ導かれるのか
Chased by the wind from the east, where will this planet (star) be led?
愚か者たちの夢 変わり行く正義よ
The dreams of fools, the ever-changing justice
過ちを重ねて 生まれ来る歴史よ
A history born from repeated mistakes
いつも いつの日もYes! Yes!
Always, every day, yes! Yes!
明日を探しても 誰にも見えない
Even if we search for tomorrow, no one can see it
愛を知らない独裁者 夢を見れない子供たち
The tyrants who don't know love, the children who can't dream
誰もが眠りへと導かれるまま
As everyone is led off to sleep
世界は変わり続ける 隠された真実
The world keeps changing, the hidden truth
偽りを重ねて 流れ去る時代よ
The times that pile up falsehoods and flow away
いつも いつの日も Yes! Yes!
Always, every day, yes! Yes!
罪人たちの舟に僕等は乗り込む
We board the ship of sinners
新しい海に迷う舟を動かすため
To move the ship that wanders in a new sea
誰のために生きるの 答えを探そう
Let's search for the answer to who we live for
君は孤独の海を一人では泳げない
You can't swim in the sea of solitude alone
何処に向かって 何をめざして 何のために
Where are we going, what are we aiming for, and for what purpose?
舟は行くのか！
Will the ship go on?
Writer(s): 高見沢 俊彦, 高見沢 俊彦
Contributed by Charlie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.